Laser system detects gas pipeline leaks
An airborne gas pipeline leak detection system combines a methane sensitive laser with a digital video record of the pipeline.
Test findings revealed by the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center, Casper, Wyo., from results of a study conducted by the US Department of Energy evaluating the use of Englewood, Colo.-based Aviation Technology Services’ proprietary laser leak detection system indicate that ATS’s system found 25% more leaks on a blind test than any other system tested and detected 90% of all gas released in the test. Aerial, laser leak detection is a fast method of inspection without losing pipeline production, ATS notes.
During 4 days in September 2006, RMOTC evaluated ATS’s Boreal laser system for natural gas leak detection near Casper. Throughout the test, ATS’s helicopter-based laser system consistently detected methane leaks, the firm reports. Large and small leaks were successfully detected, measured, and reported, ATS points out.
Source: Aviation Technology Services, 7355 S. Peoria St., Suite 112, Hangar 10 South, Englewood, CO 80112.
Two new fishing tools on the market
The Superior hydraulic fishing jar (tool on the left in the photo) and Superior energizer are new to the market.
The jar is a straight pull, up-only tool that utilizes a special valve section to meter oil from one chamber of the piston to the other chamber to allow controlled jarring action during a stuck fish recovery. The operating chambers are sealed and isolated from each other to prevent contamination of the metering section and the well. During downhole jarring operation, jarring blow is infinitely adjustable without any rig floor adjustments necessary prior to the run. The straight pull load applied by the operator controls the intensity of the jarring blow-a light pull load delivers a light blow, while a heavier pull load delivers a heavier blow. Pull load is simply varied to change the jarring blow.
When maximum jarring impact and impulse are needed, particularly in shallow, deviated, or directional holes where acceleration and effectiveness of movement is diminished, a Superior energizer is run in conjunction with a jar of corresponding size. The energizer is essentially a fluid spring that stores energy when strain is applied to the fishing string. It offsets the loss of stretch or drag on the running string and provides a means to store required energy immediately above the drill collars and the fishing jar to increase the amount of impact energy. Use of an energizer allows the use of fewer drill collars than would otherwise be possible, the firm says.
Source: Logan Oil Tools Inc., 11006 Lucerne St., Houston, TX 77016.
